Jim Murphy comments on the Pre-Budget Report

9 December 2009

Commenting on the Pre-Budget Report, the Secretary of State for Scotland Jim Murphy said:

"We are coming through this world recession and as we do so we need to invest in Scotland's future while reducing the deficit fairly.

"There has been a huge amount of government spending to get out of the recession and it is right we take a leaf out of Scottish families book by cutting out waste and investing in what is most important.

"I hope politicians in Scotland of all parties will work across the political divides to help find savings and cut out waste in public services and make sure Scotland keeps moving forward.

"Our biggest priority is helping families through the recession. We will tax the bonuses of bankers and invest in getting people back to work.

"As well as helping families through the recession we will invest in the industries of the future such as renewable energy, bioscience and the digital economy. The Scottish Government budget is higher than ever before and has increased again today by £23m."

Link opens in new windowRead the full statement by the Chancellor

Notes

The Barnett consequentials for Scotland arising from the PBR are £23.115m  in 2010-11, with DEL increases in respect of extending free school meals, warm front, boiler scrappage and new Strategic Investment Fund additions in devolved areas.

The Treasury's press notice on the PBR for Scotland can be found here:
Link opens in new windowhttp://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/pbr09_pn_scotland.pdf